Freshwater

Redtail catfish (pirarara)

Bagre cola roja (pirarara)

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

Freshwater

At a glance

Typical size

20–60 lb.

Depth

10–50 ft on the bottom.

Best time

Early morning and late afternoon.

Found in

2 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: Huge catfish with a dark back, a sharp white stripe along the side, a white belly and a bright orange-red tail.
Typical size: 20–60 lb.
Maximum size: About 5 ft and over 100 lb.
Diet: Fish, shrimp, crabs and insects; some species also eat fruits and seeds that fall into the water.
Behavior: Lives in big tropical and subtropical rivers, lagoons and flooded forests; many species gather below rapids, dams and river mouths where the current brings food.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Amazon & Pantanal and The Guianas. Deep holes and channels of big Amazon and Orinoco rivers, including the Araguaia.
Habitat: Deep holes and channels of big Amazon and Orinoco rivers, including the Araguaia.
Depth: 10–50 ft on the bottom.
Fishing depth: 3–25 ft along banks, rock piles, current seams and lagoon edges.
Best season: The dry season, when the water drops and fish concentrate in the channels and lagoons; rivers close during the spawning season (in Brazil, the piracema, about November to February).
Best time: Early morning and late afternoon.
Best tides: No tide — falling water after the rainy season is best.
Best weather / conditions: Stable weather with clear water; sudden rains muddy the rivers.

What to tie on and what to throw.

Best bait: Big chunks of fish and whole fruits.
Best artificial lures: Rarely.
Tackle setup: 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting or spinning rod; 8–9 weight fly rod.
Hook size: Strong 2/0–6/0 single hooks; many guides replace trebles with single hooks to protect the fish.
Line: 40–65 lb braid.
Leader: Wire or 60–80 lb fluorocarbon for toothy fish.

The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Deep holes and channels of big Amazon and Orinoco rivers, including the Araguaia.
Rig up: 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting or spinning rod; 8–9 weight fly rod. Wire or 60–80 lb fluorocarbon for toothy fish.
Pick your bait: Big chunks of fish and whole fruits. Lures: Rarely.
Fish it: Anchor above a deep hole and fish a big bait on the bottom with heavy gear.
Time it: Early morning and late afternoon. No tide — falling water after the rainy season is best.

Fishing techniques: Anchor above a deep hole and fish a big bait on the bottom with heavy gear.
BigJoe's tip: Use 80-lb braid or heavier. A big pirarara will head straight for the snags.
Catch and release: Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.

Edibility: Edible but not prized — strong or bony; many anglers release it.
Cleaning: Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
Cooking suggestions: Eaten in some places, but most sport anglers release them.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Sharp teeth on many river fish (dorado, payara, piranha, tararira) — use pliers and lip grips. Caimans, stingrays and strong currents are real hazards; shuffle your feet when wading.
Regulations: Follow local rules. Every country requires a fishing license (in Brazil, the Licença de Pesca Amadora), each Argentine province and Brazilian state adds its own rules, and most rivers close during the spawning season. Indigenous lands and strict reserves are closed to outside anglers without permits.
Conservation: Keep only what you'll eat, release the rest quickly, and follow size and bag limits.

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Sources & photo credits